Gorgeous Green-Roofed Forum Homini Hotel Rehabilitates Cradle of Humankind in Africa

Green building meets evolution in this beautiful boutique hotel designed by Activate Architects in South Africa. Located on the Letamo Estate in the Cradle of Humankind, the origin of all human beings, the building takes its inspiration from the World Heritage site's rich evolutionary history. Although the original buildings on site had to be deconstructed, the architects made an impressive effort to incorporate many <a href="http://inhabitat.com/incredible-cathedral-built-by-one-man-with-salvaged-materials/"> reused materials</a> into their new design. They also rehabilitated the surrounding landscape and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/dubais-world-of-islands-is-sinking-into-the-sea/"> waterways</a> previously degraded by mining and poor environmental management.

Serpentine mining resulted in waste rock dumps of green stone. The dumped 3.5 billion year old rock compromised the landscape's natural integrity but was reused where possible to form building materials. These sculptures by Dave Rossouw are totems to our evolutionary history.

A combination of the green roof and thick walls increases the hotel's thermal mass, reducing electricity needs by up to 75%.

Invasive plants and trees were removed and replaced with up to 140 indigenous species, restoring the beautiful veld landscape. Even the green roof reflects the endemic fauna.

Formerly degraded, the farm dams and Bloubank River were rehabilitated by creating a natural wetland.

Stormwater runoff is channeled into the restored dam, and a black water treatment system converts hotel sewage into potable water.

In addition to being a private hotel with 14 suites, Forum Homini also includes an amphitheater, a restaurant and gallery, and encourages visitors to savor the rich evolutionary history.

A beautiful place to spend a few nights, the design's thoughtfulness also serves to reinforce the site's historical narrative.

Given the hotel's proximity to one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, the architects were required to submit a full environmental impact assessment along with their plans.